| Strangler Fig |
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Information AboutStrangler Fig |
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Strangler Figs are species of Fig that begin their lives as Epiphytes as their Seed lodge in the cracks and crevices of the bark of a host Tree . The seeds germinate and send out air Roots . During this initial phase the plant grows comparatively slowly. Each air root takes in nutrients and water from the air and host tree. Eventually the air roots grow to reach the ground and develop their own underground root system, independent of the host tree. This is when the strangler fig earns its name. It begins to grow very quickly, often during this process, the strangler fig covers the host tree with its own trunk and strangles the host tree, hence the common name. The host tree is forced to compete for water and light and prevented from growing by the Stranglers hold on its trunk. In time the host tree dies and rots away. The strangler fig does not collapse however and continues to exist as a hollow tubular lattice which many forest animals use as shelter. New branches grow and if these reach the ground, they will send out new shoots and roots. Over time, this can create a compound structure of trees that covers a large area of interlocking vines.Strangler Figs can also be found in the Amazon Rainforest . '' Ficus Citrifolia '' is a common species of Strangler Fig found in Florida . Other strangler figs include ''Ficus barbata'', which gave Barbados its name. Numerous tropical species show the strangler habit of growth. EXTERNAL LINKS Strangler figs also occur in areas of Australia such as the Daintree rainforest in Queensland's far north |
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